What can parents, mentors, and educators do to shape boys into exceptional men? Michael Gurian, a respected therapist, storyteller, and recognized expert in family systems, explains the basic needs of every boy: a primary and extended family, a relationship with mother, father, and mentors, and support from his community. He also tells how to satisfy a boy’s desire for his own sense of tribe and initiation through healthy, structured competition, discipline, and work coupled with moral and spiritual values. Gurian’s training videos for parents and volunteers are used by the Big Brothers and Big Sisters agencies throughout North America.
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"Having three girls and only one boy, I purchased this book to help me better understand my son. This is a wonderful book and it helps to explain the physiological makeup of boys and how to understand them and parent them in a more effective way. I would recommend this book to everyone."
— Jennifer (5 out of 5 stars)
“Gurian has written a provocative book that may electrify the debate over how this nation raises its sons.”
— USA Today“The Wonder of Boys offers the Hamlet counterpart to the bestselling Reviving Ophelia, which defined the problems of adolescent girls for millions of parents.”
— The Boston Globe“Writing in a calm, compassionate voice, Gurian delivers a compelling call to action.”
— Publishers Weekly“Thought-provoking and pragmatic”
— Booklist" I ran out of steam half way through this book and can't get going again. It did give some things to think about in respect to raising a son. I think I will probably come back to this in a while. "
— Melissa, 2/13/2014" Must read for all parents.... "
— Lynn, 2/11/2014" I've been reading it for several years now. Its not that I don't like it, because I keep going back??????? "
— Yvonne, 2/5/2014" I read parts of this when Jack was born. It's like a reference book. It's about raising boys and the education of boys. Very insightful. "
— Vanessaprossi, 2/3/2014" If you are raising boys, this a must read! I live Michael's philosophy and have read other books if his on child rearing. "
— Victoria, 2/3/2014" Great insight to raising sons "
— Tanya, 1/20/2014" Please, if you have a son, READ THIS BOOK! You will hold him differently in your mind and heart afterward, and though it may be hard to let him go, you will have less worry, feeling he is prepared to enter the world at large as a strong, yet thoughtful young man. "
— Paige, 1/5/2014" If you're entering the land of boys, take this instruction manual. A very helpful and insightful read for all parents of boys. Useful at every stage and through many of the challenges they face throughout life. "
— Ann, 12/7/2013" A must read for anyone raising boys. Thanks, Becky! "
— Jessica, 12/4/2013" My only regret is that I didn't read this book 15 years ago. If you have a son or a lot of interaction with boys (yes, this can include husbands) this is a must read. "
— Jen, 11/30/2013" this is a great book for thoes who have boys or want to better understand the dynamics of MEN in there lives! great insight into "boy cliques" and attitude!! "
— Aijun, 11/25/2013" I found parts of this book absolutely fascinating and helpful, but I had to pretty much slog through the second half. "
— Tabitha, 11/25/2013" This book did not comply with my moral and religious beliefs at all! I did not like this book. If you want to read an amazing book about raising boys, read "Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys." Wild things is an amazing book! "
— Michelle, 10/29/2013" helpful for those interested in emotional disturbances. "
— Alexandra, 7/1/2013" Blah! BORING! This guy repeats himself over and over. No substance. Just couldn't finish it. "
— Becky, 10/7/2012" Has some fascinating research and insight into boys. However, parts of it are very slow, redundant, and some of it is just plain garbage. With that said, I really did learn a lot, but do disagree on several of his assertions. "
— Angela, 8/14/2012" Makes you realize how important scouting, young men's church groups, and families are to helping boys grow into great men. Thank goodness I have all of it. "
— Kimi, 5/8/2012" This is a great book for information on those crazy boys. "
— Heather, 4/9/2012" Don't love it so far but we'll see. "
— Tory, 2/26/2012" This was my favorite book for raising boys. Also read Raising Cane and The Trouble with Boys. "
— Cori, 11/19/2011" This book really helped me understand better a boy's temperament, needs, and habits. I think I should probably reread it about every other year to help me raise my boys as they grow. "
— Cecily, 6/10/2011" I read it when I only had 3 boys, and now I have 4! It was great and helpful in learning the science of boys and why they act the way they do and what they need to be men. A lot of light was shed. I agreed with most of it. "
— Nicole, 5/23/2011" Loved this book about raising boys. "
— Susan, 4/28/2011" Wonderful work on raising a boy. Not all info in this book will be immediately relevant as it spans the whole 18 years of raising a boy, but this is a book written as a reference for the next 18 years. Great stuff. "
— Peter, 4/27/2011" Eye opening book about male culture. "
— Stasia, 4/5/2011" helpful for those interested in emotional disturbances. "
— Alexandra, 1/15/2011" Must read for all parents.... "
— Lynn, 1/12/2011" Was lent this by a friend who has been an early childhood educator for 35 books. It is an illuminating and extremely helpful book. "
— Myfanwy, 10/1/2010" Actually currently listening to...Very good! "
— Libbydale, 6/16/2010" I go back to this book again and again! "
— Jennifer, 1/7/2010" To me this author relies too much on studies and indigenous tribal practices for his ideas. He did bring out that boys need competition and mentoring and that they are different from girls (thanks to studies he was able to figure this out!) I gleaned so much more from Boys Adrift by Leonard Sax. "
— Carolyn, 11/22/2009" I've been reading it for several years now. Its not that I don't like it, because I keep going back??????? "
— Yvonne, 11/21/2009" I've read this book twice now. There are some things that I disagree with, but I'm not the expert, so I'm probably wrong about them. <br/> <br/>It gave me insight into raising my boys to be healthy men. We'll see in 20 years if it turned out ok. "
— John, 8/28/2009Michael Gurian is a social philosopher, certified mental health counselor in private practice, and the New York Times bestselling author of numerous books. He cofounded the Gurian Institute in 1996 and frequently speaks at and consults with corporations, physicians, hospitals, schools, and other professionals. Michael has taught at Gonzaga University, Eastern Washington University, and Ankara University. He lives with his wife Gail in Spokane, Washington.